According to ghana news agency:eveloped by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can), the International Society of Nurses in Cancer (ISNCC), and Amgen, aims to enhance leadership, clinical skills, and advocacy among oncology nurses. This five-year initiative will train students in cohorts, with each cohort participating in a six-month programme that includes intensive face-to-face sessions.
Mr. Gunu praised UHAS and its partners for their forward-thinking approach in developing oncology nursing as a leadership-focused discipline, crucial for modern cancer care. He highlighted the 2025 Budget's emphasis on healthcare, mentioning the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund and the expansion of Free Primary Healthcare as essential steps toward improving cancer treatment accessibility. The ONLEP aligns with national priorities to strengthen healthcare systems and supports Ghana's cancer control plan and WHO objectives.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Project Lead and Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, stated that the programme will train oncology nurses as leaders, focusing on leadership, health services organization, and advocacy in oncology. The initiative aims to create international partnerships to train 240 nurse oncologists across Africa, eventually expanding to include other healthcare professionals.
Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Country Director, expressed confidence that ONLEP will drive necessary change in cancer care, addressing the shortage of trained oncologists in Ghana. She emphasized that the programme aligns with WHO's global strategies for health resources and cancer prevention, urging participants to take ownership and foster progress.
Sean Lybrand, Executive Director of Access to Healthcare at Amgen Inc., highlighted the programme's potential to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa. Togbe Adze II, Divisional Chief of Fodome Agbesia, commended the initiative and called for widespread support to ensure its success.
Solidarity messages from various organizations, including the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Nurses and Midwives Council, Ghana Health Service, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, and Ghana Medical Association, emphasized the collective commitment to advancing cancer care in Ghana.
